A nurse working on a mental health unit reviews therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication techniques with a student nurse. Which of the following are therapeutic communication techniques? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Restating
Giving advice
Maintaining neutral responses
Asking the client, “Why?”
Listening
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A Reason:
Restating involves repeating what the client has said in order to show understanding and to encourage them to continue talking. This technique helps to clarify the client’s thoughts and feelings, ensuring that the nurse accurately understands the client’s message. It also demonstrates active listening and empathy, which are crucial components of therapeutic communication.
Choice B Reason:
Giving advice is generally considered a non-therapeutic communication technique. It can imply that the nurse knows best and can undermine the client’s autonomy and decision-making abilities. Instead of giving advice, therapeutic communication focuses on helping clients explore their own thoughts and feelings to arrive at their own conclusions and solutions.
Choice C Reason:
Maintaining neutral responses involves responding to the client in a way that does not convey judgment or bias. This technique helps to create a safe and supportive environment where the client feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Neutral responses can include nodding, making non-committal sounds like “mm-hmm,” and using phrases like “I see” or “Tell me more”.
Choice D Reason:
Asking the client “Why?” can be perceived as confrontational or judgmental, which can hinder open communication. It may make the client feel defensive or uncomfortable. Instead, therapeutic communication techniques involve asking open-ended questions that encourage the client to express themselves without feeling judged.
Choice E Reason:
Listening is one of the most fundamental therapeutic communication techniques. It involves giving the client your full attention, showing interest in what they are saying, and responding appropriately to their concerns. Active listening helps to build trust and rapport, making the client feel heard and understood.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is c, e.
Choice A Reason:
The statement “Clear and organized speech” is incorrect. Clients with delirium often exhibit disorganized thinking and speech. Their speech may be rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent, reflecting their fluctuating mental state. Clear and organized speech is more characteristic of a person without cognitive impairment or with stable cognitive function.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “Increased attention and focus” is incorrect. Delirium is characterized by a disturbance in attention and awareness. Clients with delirium typically have difficulty sustaining or shifting attention, which is a key diagnostic criterion. Increased attention and focus are not consistent with the presentation of delirium.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “Fluctuating levels of consciousness” is correct. One of the hallmark features of delirium is the fluctuation in the level of consciousness throughout the day3. Clients may experience periods of lucidity interspersed with confusion and disorientation. This fluctuation is a critical diagnostic indicator of delirium.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “Stable and consistent cognitive function” is incorrect. Delirium is marked by an acute change in cognitive function, which is neither stable nor consistent. Cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, and language are typically impaired and fluctuate over time. Stable cognitive function would not support a diagnosis of delirium.
Choice E Reason:
The statement “Agitation and aggression” is correct. Clients with delirium often exhibit behavioral disturbances, including agitation and aggression. These symptoms can result from the confusion and disorientation experienced during delirium. Recognizing these behavioral changes is important for the diagnosis and management of delirium.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines like diazepam. It works by competitively inhibiting the action of benzodiazepines at the GABA receptor, thereby reversing sedation and other effects. Flumazenil is typically administered in cases of benzodiazepine overdose to counteract the sedative effects and restore normal respiratory function. However, it should be used cautiously as it can precipitate withdrawal and seizures in patients with long-term benzodiazepine use.
Choice B Reason:
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It is not indicated for the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to manage symptoms of psychosis but does not counteract the effects of benzodiazepines. Therefore, it would not be an appropriate choice in this scenario.
Choice C Reason:
Lithium carbonate is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the severity and frequency of mania and can also help to relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Lithium does not have any antagonistic effects on benzodiazepines and is not used in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. Thus, it would not be the correct medication to administer in this case.
Choice D Reason:
Methadone is a long-acting opioid used for pain management and as part of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone does not counteract the effects of benzodiazepines and is not used in the treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. Therefore, it would not be an appropriate choice in this scenario.
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